Chapter 75: Meeting Again

Lin Li appeared at just the right moment, as always. He was dressed in a formal suit, looking every bit the successful gentleman. As he arrived, one of the security guards immediately approached him.

“Excuse me, sir, do you have an appointment?”

Lin Li nodded. “Your General Jiang invited me. I am Lin Li from the Qin family.”

This was the first time Xia Ningshuang learned Lin Li’s name. Judging by his demeanor, his status was certainly not ordinary; even Jiang Xishan’s subordinates received him with cautious politeness.

This city, Eastern Capital, was quite different from Jiangcheng. There were no so-called Four Great Families here. The competition was intense, and as a result, the various factions were not as powerful as those in Jiangcheng. While the Qin family wasn’t ranked among Jiangcheng’s Four Great Families, rumor had it they easily held the second position. For that reason, even Jiang Xishan herself dared not offend them carelessly.

In such circles, one is bound to encounter others repeatedly. If Jiang Xishan were ever to offend the Qin family, she would bring untold trouble upon herself.

The two security guards, upon hearing Lin Li’s explanation, did not hesitate. They immediately led him inside. Just then, Xia Ningshuang stepped forward to block Lin Li’s path.

“Mr. Lin,” she said.

Lin Li pretended to ponder seriously when he saw her. “It’s you? Why are you here?”

Hearing this, Xia Ningshuang’s gaze dimmed. She had hoped to rely on her own efforts to find a way to survive. She never imagined things would turn out like this. If even her closest friend betrayed her, what would become of her?

“Though I was born into a martial arts family, I’m not lacking in business acumen,” she said with a sigh, forcing herself to rally. “Mr. Lin, I know it’s presumptuous, but I must see Jiang Xishan, just once. Even if it costs me my life, I need to know why she’s treating me this way.”

Lin Li regarded her thoughtfully, then nodded. “I can take you to see Jiang Xishan. But whatever happens next is none of my concern. You’d best prepare yourself mentally.”

Xia Ningshuang hadn’t expected Lin Li to be so agreeable, willing to help her meet Jiang Xishan. Her face brightened with gratitude. “Thank you, thank you so much.”

She had thought Lin Li would refuse, but to her surprise, he seemed unbothered by her request.

The two security guards still wanted to block them, but Lin Li’s status spoke for itself. Even their boss was cautious with him; they had no right to provoke such a figure.

And so, Lin Li led Xia Ningshuang to the top floor. This was Jiang Xishan’s office, lavishly decorated—luxury evident even in the corridor. Clearly, Jiang Xishan knew how to enjoy her success.

“I won’t go in. I’ll wait for you outside,” Lin Li said calmly. He knew that it was best not to involve himself in such matters; let the two friends speak plainly, and sever ties if needed. Besides, he hoped to showcase his own charm later.

Xia Ningshuang nodded, then entered the office.

Jiang Xishan had been expecting Lin Li’s arrival. She waited, thinking it would be him who entered, even standing up with open arms, ready to embrace him. But when she opened her eyes and saw Xia Ningshuang, her expression instantly changed.

Xia Ningshuang thought Jiang Xishan’s gesture meant their friendship was still intact. But before she could react, she saw Jiang Xishan’s face darken, her expression shifting and instinctively stepping back two paces.

“Who are you? Why are you here?” Jiang Xishan demanded loudly.

Before Jiang Xishan could act further, Xia Ningshuang removed her mask. “Don’t you recognize me?”

Jiang Xishan was momentarily awkward, surprised that Xia Ningshuang had managed to get in by her own means.

“How did you get here? Didn’t I make myself clear earlier?”

Xia Ningshuang nodded. “Yes, you were very clear. But after all these years, I find it hard to believe you would do such a thing. We’ve been friends for so long; in my heart, you shouldn’t be this kind of person.”

She looked at Jiang Xishan, still unable to accept what was happening. This was her closest friend—how could she betray her at such a critical moment?

Jiang Xishan was stunned, perhaps not expecting Xia Ningshuang to remain unwilling to believe it.

“No wonder you’re the heiress of the Xia family. They’ve protected you well all these years. Unfortunately, it was too much. If you’d faced hardship earlier, you wouldn’t be oppressed like this now.”

Jiang Xishan was furious; Xia Ningshuang was nothing like she imagined. She thought that after meeting, Xia Ningshuang would throw a tantrum, perhaps even resort to violence.

In truth, Jiang Xishan had always intended to use Xia Ningshuang as a means to achieve her own goals. Yet, after so many years, Xia Ningshuang still cherished their friendship, refusing to blame her even after all that had happened. In her heart, Jiang Xishan felt a touch of contempt.

For Jiang Xishan, it was incomprehensible—Xia Ningshuang, reduced to this state, had no right to demand a meeting.

“I know everything you said. That’s why I came—to talk things through, so we can still be friends, right?”

Jiang Xishan could no longer contain herself. She burst out laughing, her emotions erupting in that moment.